Most of the time when we think about cleaning up our diets, is usually in search of a smaller jean size or more energy to power through our days and workouts. However, what we eat affects our physical appearance and our mental cognition and performance as well. Certain foods can make our the brain ages faster. Many grocery stores and fast food outlets do this, but the important thing to keep in mind is inflammatory foodsaccording to serena pooncertified nutritionist and celebrity chef.
As she explains, not only do inflammatory foods degrade physical health, researchers I have also found that these foods can cause brain functions to decline more quickly.
“Some of the main culprits of inflammation, such as added sugar, processed meat, and refined carbohydrates, are quite prevalent in the standard American diet,” he adds.
Here’s a breakdown of the different inflammatory foods to watch out for and why these should be omitted or limited in your diet long-term. brain health. So be sure to read our report on The #1 Best Juice to Drink Every Day, Science Says.
Poon says he consumes too much added sugar it has been shown that impair memory and increase the risk of dementia. Unfortunately, added sugar can be found almost everywhere: from beverages and desserts to salad dressings masquerading as “healthy.”
“Go for sugar-free options or explore making your own food at home to keep your sugar intake in check,” she says.
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Refined carbohydrates lurk in white bread, baked goods, and breakfast cereals. These lack nutritional value, and Poon says that researchers have found that consuming them can impact on cognitive health in various ways, including altered function in various areas of the brain.
“Instead, choose comprehensive options and other complex carbohydrates like those found in legumes and vegetables,” he says.
Last but not least, processed meat is not doing you any favors. Poon says that researchers have found that processed meats are linked to a significantly increased risk of developing dementiaa disease defined by cognitive impairment.
And remember, vegan options are much better since A study found that those who ate low-quality vegetarian and vegan diets, including foods with highly processed ingredients, were more susceptible to depression.
“In contrast, researchers have found that anti-inflammatory diets, such as Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, and diets that are rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, and fatty acids can support longevity in your brain,” says Poon. “Vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties, support gut health (which, by the way, plays an important role in mental health) and improve mitochondrial function, all of which promote longevity.”
To start, here are our The 15 best recipes of the Mediterranean diet.
